The Lightning GT: Britain’s answer to the Tesla Model S and Fisker Karma?

Driving an electric car doesn’t have to be a dull affair. As the electric automotive market begins to grow out of its infancy, companies are looking to get in on the booming market and offer environmentally conscious customers an electric driving experience that is equal parts performance, style, and eco friendly.

Entering the fray is Britain’s’ Lightning Car Company, a self described team of proven automotive experts in car creation, design, and advanced technology integration. We have no doubt that the chaps over at LCC hope their Lightning GT is a pure embodiment of all those qualities and more, but does it offer enough performance and appeal to separate it from other similar cars on the market?

Ahead of the pack?

Since sporty EVs aren’t exactly new, with both Fisker Automotives Karma on the market and Tesla Motor’s Model S on the horizon — LCC’s Lightning GT has its work cut out for it. But despite some already established competition, the company is looking to offer some new and proven technologies, with a number of advanced features mixed in as well, which may just separate it from the pack.

A different breed of battery

While most EVs feature a lithium-ion battery powering its core, the Lightning GT runs on lithium-titanate, an even more advanced and stronger battery pack. By using lithium-titante, the Lightning GT is able to achieve ranges of over 150 miles on its standard spec, and an excess of 225 miles with an optional range extender pack. By comparison the top-tier Model S will offer a pure electric 300 mile driving range, while Fisker Karma’s gas-electric hybrid will provide a pure electric range of 50 miles, after which the internal combustion engine engages to support the electric motors for an additional range of 250 miles.

Lightning fast charging

Charging times have increasingly becoming a concern for any EV owner, regardless of range. Nobody wants to have to wait hours to charge their car after 50, 100, or even 200 miles. Impressively, LCC has stated that the Lightning GT will be able to recharge its battery in as little as 10 minutes. What’s more, LCC has also claimed that the battery life should remain constant for up to at least 10,000 cycles.

It’s always great to see company’s taking real pride in their work, and LCC seems to be particularly proud of its British roots. The Lightning GT will be built in Britain and feature an aluminum honeycomb chassis and superform aluminum bodywork that is said to give the car superior handling properties.

Thunderous performance

Powering the Lighting GT will be a 300kw (400 hp) twin motor powertrain, which LCC states will “ensure instant surge and seamless acceleration.” Spec numbers are generally what people like to see, and the Lightning GT’s are decidedly impressive. According to official numbers from LCC, the Lightning GT can hit 0 to 60 in under five seconds, and features a recommended top speed limit ( we are not sure what happens if you go beyond that) of 125 mph.

If you’re in the market for an electric sports car, chances are price isn’t much of a deciding factor. But it’s worth mentioning that, in comparison to the other cars the LCC’s Lightning GT may be up against, both come in at a considerably lower price point than their British counterpart. A top tier Tesla Model S will set you back around $70,000 (after federal tax credits) , while Fisker’s base Karma starts in at $102,000. Contrast that with the Lightning GT’s estimated $280,000 sticker price and you have a hefty difference.

While we are certainly intrigued by what the Lighting GT has to offer in both the style and performance categories (we kind of find the Lightning’s front fascia reminiscent of a TVR Cerbera), time will ultimately tell whether LCC’s Lighting GT will strike gold, or if it will end up being a lightning flash in the pan.